Quit smoking: easier said than done

iVillage Guest Editor Michelle Obama says the President ultimately stopped smoking but because he didn’t want to look his girls in the eye and tell them not to smoke if he was.

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Many people promise themselves year after year that they are going to quit smoking, but quitting is much easier said than done. The reality is that only about 10% of smokers are able to successfully quit. Why is it so difficult for people to quit smoking? Why do people continue to spend thousands of dollars on a habit that leads to disease and early death?

Nicotine Addiction. The reason it is so hard to quit smoking is because the cigarette industry has done everything in its power to make it difficult for people to quit. The nicotine in cigarettes is super addictive – strong enough to defeat the willpower of the average person who wants to quit smoking. In fact, research has indicated that some people don’t quit smoking even after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

Get Help. If you would like to quit smoking and you can’t find a way to do so, you might need to seek professional guidance. Forget about nicotine based products to quit smoking; people actually get addicted to nicorette gum. Instead, find a holistic healthcare practitioner who specializes in Chinese herbs. Lobelia and St. John’s Wort are a few of several options that make it easier for smokers to quit. Cessation programs, support groups, eastern meditation and acupuncture are also beneficial.

You might believe that you are smoking by choice; decades ago that was probably the case. If you are smoking these days, however, you’re more than likely addicted to nicotine. Save money and possibly save your life. Get the help you need to quit smoking today.

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Dr. Aleathea Wiggins is a freelance writer specializing in health, parenting, and family issues. She is a former university professor, curriculum facilitator, and teacher. Dr. Wiggins holds degrees and credentials in journalism, education, health, and childcare administration. Her articles appear on numerous websites including Ehow Parenting and Global Post Education. Read more articles by Dr. Wiggins at http://www.examiner.com/health-in-national/dr-aleathea-wiggins

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